*This content was translated by AI.View Original
"I have lost three games against KIA. Now, personal feelings inevitably come into play."
Samsung Lions' foreign ace Chris Fedex (30) has sharpened his blade toward redemption on the autumn stage. Having shaken off the pain of losses in the regular season and Game 1 of the Playoffs, he is aiming solely for team victory and revenge.
Samsung will play an away game against the KIA Tigers at Gwangju-KIA Champions Field on the 29th in Game 3 of the 2026 KBO Playoffs (PO, best-of-five series). The series record stands at one win and one loss. Initially, Fedex was listed as a non-participating player for Game 3.
Fedex's expression, after finishing practice before the game and meeting with reporters, reflected resolute determination. Fedex started as the pitcher in Game 1 of the Playoffs held on the 26th but took the loss after allowing five runs in four and two-thirds innings. Broadcast footage at the time of his removal clearly captured him with a stern expression, unable to hide his self-reproach.
Regarding his state of mind immediately after the Game 1 loss, Fedex said, "Life is short. I thought I should not stay on this page but move on to the next one," adding, "As an ace, there was a great expectation that I would go out and win in the postseason, so deep down, I felt considerable frustration."
The way he washed away the shock of defeat was through calm reflection. Fedex stated, "I wrote my thoughts down like a diary in a notebook, organizing what went wrong and what needed to be fixed. After doing that, my mind became much clearer," emphasizing, "I have faced KIA three times this season and lost all three. Now is the time to compete with personal feelings. My top priority is to quickly fix the areas I need to improve and thoroughly prepare for my next appearance."
Currently, the Samsung pitching staff is in a state of emergency regarding the deployment of starting resources. "Domestic ace" Won Tae-in moved to the bullpen due to team circumstances with closer Kim Jae-yoon absent, creating a gap in the starting rotation. Depending on the situation, there are also suggestions that Fedex, who pitched in Game 1, could make a surprise start in Game 4 after a short rest.
In response, Fedex said, "It seems a lot will depend on the result of today's Game 3," while adding, "Since I pitched in Game 1, it would be a short rest, but this is the Playoffs now. Since the entire team is focused on Game 3, if the manager comes and asks me to pitch, I will naturally prepare to go out," indicating his willingness to respond to the skipper's call at any time.
He also did not forget to express gratitude toward teammate Won Tae-in. Won Tae-in appeared in a save situation in Game 2 and secured a scoreless inning for one full inning, protecting the team's first victory that avenged the loss in Game 1. Fedex said, "I heard that Tae-in has not pitched in the bullpen for seven years since his rookie year. Voluntarily stepping into the bullpen to secure a win with three consecutive outs for the sake of the team's victory is truly amazing and wonderful," giving him a thumbs-up.
Fedex is a veteran who experienced Major League Baseball postseasons with the San Diego Padres in 2020 and the Minnesota Twins in 2023. Among his total of three games, he started exactly once. However, Korea's enthusiastic autumn baseball cheering culture brought him a unique thrill.
Fedex remarked, "The atmosphere where fans wave flags and send loud cheers throughout the game, regardless of whether it is home or away, is truly amazing. It is much more passionate and hot than in the United States," raising his voice to say, "I consider pressure a privilege. During the 2020 empty-stadium postseason, it was difficult to raise my energy, but when fans chant my name, I receive tremendous energy. I want to definitely win the two-game series in Gwangju and advance to the Korea Series."
Fedex, who inscribed the Game 1 loss in his notebook and declared "personal revenge." It is quite intriguing whether his sharpened blade will become the decisive blow leading the Lion Army to the Korea Series.
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*This content was translated by AI.View Original
